There’s nothing quite like the High Holidays – or, as the locals call them, the chagim – in Israel.
Generally considered the most important holiday of the year, Yom Kippur is a particularly unique day to spend in Israel. Here are just four ways in which Yom Kippur is different in Israel:
1. The Country Practically Shuts Down
Photo Credit: Adriane Cooper
“In Israel, EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN. Last night we were walking in the middle of the highway, because there are no cars on the road. It is not a law… its not illegal to drive on Yom Kippur… its just that everyone knows this is not the day to drive. It was the most incredible social phenomenon.” – Natanya Meyer, Tikkun Olam in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, 2012-2013
2. It’s the Perfect Time to Experience Israel’s Diversity
“One of the first weeks I was there, it was Yom Kippur and I got to walk from Hebrew University to the kotel and I heard the call to prayer for the first time… When we got to old city, the church bells in the Armenian and Christian quarters were ringing.” – Lauren Swersky, Hebrew University Fall 2013
3. It’s a Day to Really Make Yourself At Home in the Homeland
“I found myself standing next to 200 young Jews on a rooftop in Tel Aviv…And for some reason, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be and felt totally enveloped in love and comfort.” – Lisa Frenkiel, Yahel Social Change Program 2011-2012
4. No Matter How You Mark the Day, You’re Bound to Feel a Connection
“What struck me the most were the prayers that mentioned Jerusalem and Israel. At first glance, it seemed like customary prayers that reference the important land that exists for Jews today. The key word there is today. Think about it. These prayers are the same ones that have been said for centuries which means the declaration of Israel was realized thousands of years before it actually existed. It’s eerily fascinating that I am now living in a state that my great-grandparents and their parents prayed would one day exist. Lucky doesn’t begin to describe how it feels.” – Danielle Meyers, Masa Israel Teaching Fellows 2014-2015
Have you had a special Yom Kippur or High Holiday experience in Israel this year? Send your story to MasaTeam@MasaIsrael.org and you might be featured on the Masa Israel blog!
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